Family mourns man hit by car, driver turns himself in

Calgary's Moises Morales was taken to hospital but later died of his injuries

Collision reconstruction experts are investigating a crash that claimed a man's life early Monday morning in Calgary. (Meghan Grant/CBC)

Harold Chavarria and Reyma Morales came to the site in north Calgary where their son was killed in a hit-and-run crash. (Meghan Grant/CBC)

The grieving parents of a pedestrian killed in a hit-and-run collision are relieved the driver has turned himself in to police.

Moises Morales, 26, was hit by a car on Centre Street near 40th Avenue north at around 4 a.m. MT Monday. He was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition but later died from his injuries, police said.

His parents, Harold Chavarria and Reyma Morales, came to the spot where their son was hit on Monday to better understand what had happened to him. They described their son as a hard-working young man with four siblings.

"We were looking forward to seeing him today. He always liked to be with us on Family Day if he's not working," said his father.

Moises Morales in a 2001 school photo.

The driver sped off after hitting Morles but police reported hours later that a man returned to the scene of the crash and was taken into custody.

"We are glad that he turned in himself," Chavarria said. "But I don't know what to say about him. It's hard when someone takes your very dear family away from this life."

Neighbour concerned

Kevin Bentley, who lives near the spot where Morales was hit, said he would like to see improvements to the road — including stronger lighting.

"I think at least getting the lines painted on the street and obviously putting up a crosswalk sign would be advantageous," he said.

"It's very difficult as a driver to see any pedestrians."

Sgt. Colin Foster said there were witnesses and security footage that will help with the investigation.